Help choosing a date to attend goodwood FOS 2023
Discussion
I am planning to attend an event with my 5-year-old, but I can't decide on which date to choose - Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. I have done a bit of research and I've come across the Starline ticket, which is quite expensive, starting from £244, but it offers hospitality all day and shade and apparently close to the action. I think it might be a good choice with a child, but I'm still unsure.
I've seen various posts on different forums where people say that the event is packed on weekends, and many are disappointed and complain about traffic, etc. However, everyone has different preferences, so I wanted to ask you all about your recent experience attending this event on different days.
If you have attended this event before, please share your thoughts and opinions on which date would be the best with a child. I would appreciate any tips and suggestions you have, especially if you have attended with children before.
Also, if anyone has experience with the Starline ticket, please let me know if you think it's worth the extra cost.
P.S. I can only attend for a day and can't stay overnight. It'd be sort of me driving there very early and then driving home in the evening.
I've seen various posts on different forums where people say that the event is packed on weekends, and many are disappointed and complain about traffic, etc. However, everyone has different preferences, so I wanted to ask you all about your recent experience attending this event on different days.
If you have attended this event before, please share your thoughts and opinions on which date would be the best with a child. I would appreciate any tips and suggestions you have, especially if you have attended with children before.
Also, if anyone has experience with the Starline ticket, please let me know if you think it's worth the extra cost.
P.S. I can only attend for a day and can't stay overnight. It'd be sort of me driving there very early and then driving home in the evening.
Friday.
Don't bother with Hospitality or anything like that, your just wasting time. Theres already far, far too much to see in one day.
Ditto Grandstand - your just spending more money, to waste more time sat in one place.
I've got a 4 year old so I understand the logistics- Take a picnic blanket, some snacks, theres plenty to wander round and see, places to sit, places to hide from rain etc, lots of food options etc
Don't bother with Hospitality or anything like that, your just wasting time. Theres already far, far too much to see in one day.
Ditto Grandstand - your just spending more money, to waste more time sat in one place.
I've got a 4 year old so I understand the logistics- Take a picnic blanket, some snacks, theres plenty to wander round and see, places to sit, places to hide from rain etc, lots of food options etc
Weekend days have the most "Star Drivers" attending. Attendee numbers feel pretty similar on Fri / Sat / Sun.
For a 1 day trip, there's a lot of ground to cover. The Startline Club is based at the hotel adjacent to the start line, but you can't see any action from there - it includes Street Food, but obviously to benefit from this you have to keep going back to the hotel grounds (which may not be convenient if you are at the other side of the venue and want to see some action). It also includes roving grandstand seats.
So for a 1 day trip, I'd suggest entry ticket and maybe a roving grandstand seat (so that you can have a rest every now and then, and get a good view of hill action)
For a 1 day trip, there's a lot of ground to cover. The Startline Club is based at the hotel adjacent to the start line, but you can't see any action from there - it includes Street Food, but obviously to benefit from this you have to keep going back to the hotel grounds (which may not be convenient if you are at the other side of the venue and want to see some action). It also includes roving grandstand seats.
So for a 1 day trip, I'd suggest entry ticket and maybe a roving grandstand seat (so that you can have a rest every now and then, and get a good view of hill action)
CABC said:
Thursday even better.
even with a 5 yr old not sure of value of hospitality. that's an adult benefit and you have to walk to see everything anyway. the central grass area is open and far less crowded, good for eating/resting. maybe a grandstand ticket? sit high and watch the action.
Thanks for the advice, it certainly makes sense and I may not even get this hospitality ticket then.even with a 5 yr old not sure of value of hospitality. that's an adult benefit and you have to walk to see everything anyway. the central grass area is open and far less crowded, good for eating/resting. maybe a grandstand ticket? sit high and watch the action.
snotrag said:
Friday.
Don't bother with Hospitality or anything like that, your just wasting time. Theres already far, far too much to see in one day.
Ditto Grandstand - your just spending more money, to waste more time sat in one place.
I've got a 4 year old so I understand the logistics- Take a picnic blanket, some snacks, theres plenty to wander round and see, places to sit, places to hide from rain etc, lots of food options etc
Noted, thanks! It appears that this hospitality ticket may not be the right choice for me and the little one.Don't bother with Hospitality or anything like that, your just wasting time. Theres already far, far too much to see in one day.
Ditto Grandstand - your just spending more money, to waste more time sat in one place.
I've got a 4 year old so I understand the logistics- Take a picnic blanket, some snacks, theres plenty to wander round and see, places to sit, places to hide from rain etc, lots of food options etc
NeverBetter said:
Weekend days have the most "Star Drivers" attending. Attendee numbers feel pretty similar on Fri / Sat / Sun.
For a 1 day trip, there's a lot of ground to cover. The Startline Club is based at the hotel adjacent to the start line, but you can't see any action from there - it includes Street Food, but obviously to benefit from this you have to keep going back to the hotel grounds (which may not be convenient if you are at the other side of the venue and want to see some action). It also includes roving grandstand seats.
So for a 1 day trip, I'd suggest entry ticket and maybe a roving grandstand seat (so that you can have a rest every now and then, and get a good view of hill action)
That's probably exactly what I'll do, thanks!For a 1 day trip, there's a lot of ground to cover. The Startline Club is based at the hotel adjacent to the start line, but you can't see any action from there - it includes Street Food, but obviously to benefit from this you have to keep going back to the hotel grounds (which may not be convenient if you are at the other side of the venue and want to see some action). It also includes roving grandstand seats.
So for a 1 day trip, I'd suggest entry ticket and maybe a roving grandstand seat (so that you can have a rest every now and then, and get a good view of hill action)
OP, might be worth investing in some ear defenders for your child if you haven't got a set already. It's really great being able to walk around the paddocks and see the cars up close but a full blown V8 race engine starting right next to you when you don't expect it can be rather surprising.
https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/festival-of-sp... - worth a read there is a sponsored family area near the startling for little people. I am sure the team will update this with 2023 info soon, but it has been there for a number of years.
Friday is usually tolerable. The start line area is usually quite quiet and it’s good for spectating though can be a bit noisy obviously…it’s near the “shopping” bit, which also has loads of kid friendly things like diggers, BMX shows and one year we found a colouring in and craft area.
If you’re taking a small child, just enjoy it, you’ll occasionally get to see some cars but in reality, it’s just about making them enjoy it enough so they’ll want to keep returning.
It took a year or two of missing most of the members meeting action and letting my daughter spend all day at the fun fair bit now she loves going to Goodwood so I take that as mission accomplished!
If you’re taking a small child, just enjoy it, you’ll occasionally get to see some cars but in reality, it’s just about making them enjoy it enough so they’ll want to keep returning.
It took a year or two of missing most of the members meeting action and letting my daughter spend all day at the fun fair bit now she loves going to Goodwood so I take that as mission accomplished!
I’ve been to every FOS apart from two. With a 5 y/o-skip hospitality. They get a free ticket. Go for Sat or Sun, not much difference apart from on Sun you get the final runs and fastest times.
Re queues-get there early and miss them. They’ll be a few when you leave unless you go early. I don’t mind the queues coming home. If you want to break the journey home they are some good eateries non far from Goodwood. As mentioned ear defenders are wise for your child.
Re queues-get there early and miss them. They’ll be a few when you leave unless you go early. I don’t mind the queues coming home. If you want to break the journey home they are some good eateries non far from Goodwood. As mentioned ear defenders are wise for your child.
Advise you to take all the liquids your kid will need, maybe yours too, in a backpack with that blanket and snacks. If it's hot, you don't want to be standing in a queue everytime he wants a slurp. There's lots of delicious food on offer and you may well have to queue for that, but not having to simultaneously juggle with bought drinks (or join a separate queue for them) is a bonus.
Just accept that you're not going to see everything, it will be about keeping it varied, light, and exciting for him; your time will come in 15 years when he no longer wants to be seen with you!
Just accept that you're not going to see everything, it will be about keeping it varied, light, and exciting for him; your time will come in 15 years when he no longer wants to be seen with you!
TwinKam said:
Advise you to take all the liquids your kid will need, maybe yours too, in a backpack with that blanket and snacks. If it's hot, you don't want to be standing in a queue everytime he wants a slurp. There's lots of delicious food on offer and you may well have to queue for that, but not having to simultaneously juggle with bought drinks (or join a separate queue for them) is a bonus.
Just accept that you're not going to see everything, it will be about keeping it varied, light, and exciting for him; your time will come in 15 years when he no longer wants to be seen with you!
Plenty of water refill stations located at every toilet. Just accept that you're not going to see everything, it will be about keeping it varied, light, and exciting for him; your time will come in 15 years when he no longer wants to be seen with you!
A bit late to the party...
I have done FOS on and off since my lad was small. Ear defenders definitely required. We got some from Brands at the DTM meeting many years ago - a real investment!
In preference we do Saturday so that there is minimal disruption to the school routine. Blanket and picnic and stroll. There's plenty to look.at. Plenty to do. Pace yourself. You'll both enjoy it that way.
I have done FOS on and off since my lad was small. Ear defenders definitely required. We got some from Brands at the DTM meeting many years ago - a real investment!
In preference we do Saturday so that there is minimal disruption to the school routine. Blanket and picnic and stroll. There's plenty to look.at. Plenty to do. Pace yourself. You'll both enjoy it that way.
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